Draco was waiting.
His foot was tapping rhythmically against the leg of the coffee table. It wasn't an impatient tapping, more of a borderline nervous tapping. It was ridiculous, he told himself, there was no reason for him to be like this, none at all. He knew her friends, knew that they liked him, but now it was her turn.
And she should have been the nervous one, not him. But she wasn't. Not at all. In fact she was looking forward to meeting his friend.
His best mate from boarding school had called two days earlier and had invited himself to join in their New Year's celebrations. And Blaise Zabini, the one person who knew him better than anyone, would be here in a matter of minutes.
They'd been friends since they were eleven years old, roomed together randomly in their first year and roomed together at their own insistence from then on. And it wasn't until their university days that they were separated for the first time. While he was off studying to be a teacher, Blaise was studying art and art history. They were at two different universities, but that didn't mean weekends in pubs had to change.
And now he was on his way to meet her. To meet the new woman in his life. The woman who had been an unexpected breath of fresh air, the woman who he simply just fit with, the woman who simply fit with him.
He knew there was no need for him to be nervous. He knew that the two of them would hit it off; Blaise had a habit of making himself welcome wherever he went. Besides his parents, he had yet to find anyone who disliked him. But regardless of all that, the nerves were swirling low in his belly, and he knew why. She was the first woman since Astoria – the only woman since Astoria - and introducing her to Blaise was a big deal.
Blaise was his family. Regardless of the fact that his parents thought him a bad influence, thought that his interest in art was a complete waste of time, (they were wildly incorrect on that, he'd amassed a small fortune that even Lucius would be impressed with, in just a few years buying and selling art), Blaise had been the one who had been with him through everything. He'd had been as excited as Draco when he found out about Scorpius; had been by his side through Astoria's death and had moved in with him to help with Scorp when the realisation of being a single dad had hit him. Blaise had essentially pulled him back together when no one else had been able to.
"Hey," Hermione said when she finally emerged from the bedroom, "Are you still being weird?"
He looked up at her and was surprised. He wasn't sure what he'd expected, but it wasn't this. She was wearing jeans and heavy boots, a knitted jumper and she was pulling a beanie over her head. She had tossed her winter coat over the back of a chair.
She grinned at him flopping down beside him, "Not what you were expecting?"
He laughed, "Maybe not."
"It's freaking cold out there and I'm not walking around half naked just to please you."
"And I wouldn't expect you to." He told her, leaning in to kiss her, running his hand along her thigh,"I'll happily unwrap this ensemble later in the evening."
"Isn't Blaise staying with us?" Hermione asked, "If you unwrap me like you usually do, he might hear things he doesn't want to."
Draco laughed, "Well, the thing about Blaise is that he might not be staying here alone either." Hermione raised an eyebrow, "He likes to...um..."
"Bring lady friends for a sleepover?" Hermione suggested.
"Yes, thank you." Draco said with a laugh, "I hope you're okay with that."
"As long it's not Lavender, I don't care." She shrugged, "We're all grownups here."
"Ah, yes. Lavender." Draco mused, "I've already warned him about her."
There was a loud knock on the door, and Draco jumped. Hermione touched his arm, "Hey, I'm meeting your friend; I'm the one who should be nervous."
He squeezed her knee, pushing himself to stand, "Well, that's where you're wrong. This man has been riding my arse since we were kids. My parents hate him," he grinned at her, "Apparently he was a bad influence on me."
"I like him already," Hermione said to his retreating back. She listened as he opened the door, the two friends greeting each other in the way life-long friends always did – swearing and insulting each other. She smiled, Blaise's voice was deep and pleasant with a soothing timbre that had her instantly knowing why Draco said he never went home alone. That voice would have women tripping all over themselves.
She smiled as they returned to the living area, "Hi."
"Well, hello there. He said you were gorgeous, he was way off. You're stunning," Blaise said, dropping his duffel bag at his feet and pulling her into a warm embrace, "It's nice to finally meet you."
Hermione laughed, her cheeks heating at the compliment, and pulled back, "It's good to meet you too. Although, I'm not sure stunning and 'wearing a beanie' go together. " She looked at Draco who was smiling at them.
"Hermione Granger, this is Blaise Zabini. He likes to think he's my friend, but he's basically an all-round pain in my arse."
Blaise slung his arm around her shoulders, "Please tell me gorgeous, what it is you see in my boy here. I just don't get the attraction."
"Clearly you've not ever seen him naked."
Blaise choked and Draco laughed, "There's my girl."
"I like this one," Blaise said, looking at Hermione with something akin to awe.
"I said you would, did I not?" Draco asked picking up Hermione's coat and handing it to her. He kissed her, "Well, played."
"Did you expect anything less?" Hermione said kissing him back. She shrugged into her coat and looked at Blaise, who was watching the pair with interest, "Draco tells me you're quite the ladies man."
"Does he now?" Blaise said with amusement, "He might be right. Had you met me in a bar before he did...well, who knows?"
Hermione stepped closer to him and ran a finger down his chest, "Oh darling, I'm sorry to tell you, but you're just not my type."
Blaise laughed and kissed her forehead, "Sucker for blondes, huh?"
"Only the beautiful ones," She winked at Draco, "Now ladies man, there are some rules. You can bring whomever you like back here except anyone named Lavender. If you do bring someone named Lavender back here, I will rip your balls off and shove them down your throat. You can be as loud as you want, but you can't complain if we're louder. And don't leave before breakfast. That would be rude, and I want to hear all about this one from his school days."
Blaise was staring at her hardly believing what she was saying. He looked at Draco, "Where ever did you find her?"
"Downstairs." He said matter-of-factly, pulling his own coat on. "And my advice to you is don't test her, she's serious."
Blaise held up his hands in surrender, "I wouldn't dare."
A rush of noise hit them as they open the large door that lead into The Second Salt. Despite the freezing temperatures,they'd walked the four blocks from Hermione's flat, knowing full well that the walk back home would more likely be a stagger. She'd laughed at the two men, who were talking and laughing at each other in a manner that reminded her of Scorpius and James: it appeared that they were speaking in a whole other language, one that no one outside their friendship bubble would understand.
Hermione saw the smile that crawled across Blaise's face as they passed through the doors, uncertain if it was the warm familiarly of Seamus' pub, or at the possibilities that it brought, and she wondered just how the single women in the pub would react to this beautiful stranger.
And he was beautiful. There was no doubt about it. Tall and broad, with flawless skin the colour of fine milk chocolate. His smile was wide and welcoming, and his mischievous eyes twinkled even in the low light of the pub. And he carried himself with a confidence that had the air of surety, but not arrogance. And he walked with a lithe grace that she likened to floating.
Oh, the single ladies would be all over him. This would be highly entertaining.
"Is the entire town here tonight?" Draco asked. They had frequented the pub on several occasions and he'd never seen this many people in there.
"Possibly," Hermione told him, pulling her coat off and leading them both towards the bar. She handed it over to Seamus, who leaned over the bar and kissed her cheek.
"You got two on the go now?" he asked over the din and shoving her jacket under the bar.
"Who says it's just two?" She winked at him and he laughed.
"You want Tea?"
She nodded and ordered whiskey for Draco, "Blaise?"
"Why would you be drinking tea on New Year's eve?" he asked.
She and Draco shared a look, and Draco grinned, "Get him one."
Seamus placed their drinks in front of them, and Blaise picked his up looking sceptical. Hermione tapped her glass to his, "Good luck."
Blaise lifted the glass to his mouth and winced as the scent hit his nose. "What the hell is in this?"
"It's just tea," Hermione said with a sweet smile, taking a mouthful of her own drink and swallowing it without a wince.
Blaise hesitated, narrowing his eyes at Hermione. She gave him a wide eyed grin, challenging him, "Fine," he huffed and took a swallow. He coughed and spluttered, covering his mouth with his hand and handing the half full glass back to her, conceding defeat. "Fuck! How are you even drinking that?"
"It's a gift," she said with a smirk, and Draco slid his arm around her waist.
"Blaise Zabini, I never thought I'd see the day," Draco shook his head in mock disappointment of his friend.
Blaise leaned on the bar, signalling Seamus and ordering a vodka. He looked at Hermione, "You have officially become my new hero."
"Get in line my friend," came a voice from behind them, "She pretty high on everyone's list."
"Charlie!" Hermione cried slipping from Draco's arm and engulfing him, "Where's Hannah?"
"Hey firecracker," he said hugging her back, "She's home with mum. Actually she's home with James."
"Getting in some practice?" Hermione asked. Hannah and Charlie were expecting their first child, announcing their news the week before at the Weasley family Christmas.
"Something like that, but I certainly hope she doesn't give birth to a ready-made seven year old." He said before noting, "You look happy."
She smiled up at him, "It's the alcohol."
"Yeah, right," he laughed, "Nothing at all to do with the good looking blonde bloke that's here with you?"
Hermione turned back to Draco, and introduced the three men. They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries before Charlie narrowed his eyes at Draco.
"You're the boyfriend?" he asked, "You're looking out for her?"
"Yes to both," Draco said and Charlie clapped him on the shoulder.
"Glad to hear it."
Hermione held her palms up, "That's it? That's the big brother lecture? That was pathetic."
Charlie shrugged, "You're way scarier than me, so yeah, that's the big lecture."
"You disappoint me, Charlie Weasley," Theo said from behind them as he and Pansy joined the group, "Hermione's right, that was pathetic."
"What's with all the gorgeous women in this town?" Blaise said looking directly at Pansy.
"Oh, you're smooth. I 'm assuming you're Blaise?" She said and he answered in the affirmative. "I'm Pansy, this is Theo. My husband."
Blaise flashed a wide grin at her, "Just making an observation, my dear."
Ginny and Harry chose that moment to join them and Blaise gave a hooting laugh, "Oh, this is far too much fun. The blonde, the brunette and the red head in a pub, it's like a brilliant joke come to life."
"Hey!" Hermione said, poking him in the arm, "I'm not blonde." She pressed her head against Pansy's, "We're practically the same colour."
Blaise squinted as if studying them, "Nope, at least two shades lighter. You're definitely the blonde."
She pushed up on her toes and pressed her head against Draco's, "He's the blonde." She said waving a finger between the two indicating the difference.
"Ah, but he's not part of the 'three women walk into a bar' joke." Blaise countered and then added, "Besides, what's the issue with being blonde? I hear they have all the fun."
Hermione slipped her arm around Draco's waist and twisted her mouth into a sly grin, "You heard right. This blonde has had more fun in the last few weeks than he's had in his entire life."
An hour later Hermione was sitting at the bar, a warm buzz settling through her. Seamus had reminded her she was up to water and she was enjoying a tiny moment of solitude, sipping slowly and watching as Pansy and Ginny wiped the pool table with the guys. She smiled as Blaise approached her. It was the first time she'd been on her own all night, and she assumed he had decided that the time had come to interrogate her.
"He fits in well with you all." Blaise noted sitting beside her and ordering two more drinks from Seamus.
"He does, Scorpius too." She replied with a smile and took the drink he handed to her. She tipped the glass towards him, "He also said that you were a bad influence."
"He lies," Blaise told her, "Besides, that should be a breeze after what you've been putting away."
She turned to face him, "Is this the part where you've finally got me alone so you can lecture me about taking care of your boy?"
"I don't think I need to," He said, "I think you're taking pretty good care of him already."
Hermione arched an eyebrow, "What exactly has he been telling you?"
Blaise laughed, "No, nothing like that. He wouldn't tell me anything like that. He never has. I just meant he's happy. And he hasn't been this happy in quite a long time."
Hermione looked over to where Draco was laughing with Charlie, the two men discovering that they had more in common than anyone would have thought. The contrast was startling: clean-cut, neat as a pin Draco, and tattooed, grungy Charlie, they made quite the interesting pair.
But if Charlie was removed from the setting, Draco would still stand out in the room. Even in this casual setting, he turned heads, regardless of the fact that he had been in town now for months. Of course he was attractive, and everyone had referenced his platinum hair at some stage over the course of the last few months, she herself had often run her fingers through it with something akin to worship – she was a sucker for blondes. But it was more than that. He was more than that. More than just a beautiful blonde, he was...fuck! He was everything. Smart and funny, serious and intense, phenomenal in bed. Everything.
She hadn't drifted towards him because she had an empty space in her life, she had – contrary to what her friends thought – been content. Her success had given her a sense of pride and that pride had allowed her to hold her head high. She had worked hard to build her business, and with that hard work she had become the bookshop girl, instead of the poor, sad girl with the dead parents that she had been known as for far too long.
She had drifted towards him because of simple attraction. And the fact that he had walked into her life at the right time. The right time being that she had everything she wanted and was no longer wallowing in her own misery. She had been happy and content, and unknown to everyone, tinkering with the idea of dating again. And all of a sudden there he had been, walking into her life, bringing with him the possibilities that she had given up on.
Draco glanced over and saw her and Blaise sitting together and smiled, and she didn't even try to hide her own smile that the swell of pride at Blaise's comment regarding his happiness had caused.
Blaise gently tapped her knee pulling her attention back to him, "And I've never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. Not even Scorp's mum."
Hermione's eyes went wide, and she shook her head, "I don't think that's true. He was completely in love with her."
"I've known him since he was eleven. We were roommates for years, and I was as good of friends with her as with him. I know that he loved her, but it's so much more than that with you. He not only loves you, but he completely adores you. Is besotted even. I saw it in him the minute I first heard him talk about you.
"And I look around this pub and I see the way everyone is watching you both. It's like they're invested in you, like they'll rip him in two if he wrongs you in any way. But I know him, and I know that will never happen, because I know that he's all in. Whatever the two of you have, he wants it. All of it. And I see the way you look at him, and I know he's in good hands."
"Did you just give me your approval?" Hermione arched an eyebrow at him.
"Someone has to," he replied, "Lucius and Narcissa never will."
"Do they actually approve of anyone in his life?"
"Scorpius. Although they were disgusted that they got pregnant without being married. They tried to force the issue, but I'm sure he's explained that to you?" Hermione nodded and he shrugged, "And I guess Astoria. But I think that was only because her parents are filthy rich. Richer than them. And I think all Lucius saw was the potential to make more money for himself with Bert. But Bert was well aware of exactly what Lucius was after, that being a foot in the door with Bert, but he told Lucius in no uncertain terms that business and family don't mix, and then they were kind of stuck somewhere between having to like her because they'd put on a show of doing so, and wanting to hate her because Bert had refused them.
"And of course, they can't stand me. Draco was tagged to take over the family business, but that wasn't for him, he had no interest whatsoever, and when he made the decision to teach, I was blamed and essentially banned from their home."
Hermione shook her head in disgust. Draco had touched on both his and Astoria's parents, but had not gone into so much detail. And after dinner with them, the subject of his parents had rarely come up. "Well, at least we have that in common."
"What's that?" Blaise asked with a knowing smirk, "Their hatred? Their wrath? Their complete mistrust?"
Hermione laughed, "All of the above, my friend."
"Then let me give you this one piece of advice," Blaise leaned in conspiratorially, "He sees them three, maybe four times a year. So make sure you're busy on those days."
"I would never do that to him." She said, slightly horrified that Blaise would even suggest it, "I can be civil when the need calls for it."
"Civil?" Blaise looked at her in surprise, "That's not how I heard it."
She rolled her eyes, "I know I wasn't my usual delightful self, but they ambushed me. I wasn't prepared for them, but next time I will be. I will be so sickeningly sweet to them, they'll have cavities."
"Oh please invite me for that," Blaise laughed and then squeezed her knee, "Do you know how impressed he was with you that night?"
"Not very," Hermione said, obviously Draco had spoken to him about what had happened. And she assumed Blaise knew all about their fight.
"That's where you're wrong," Blaise said, "He was pissed that it got as bad as it did, and he was...annoyed... with you, but he was astounded that you held your own with them, that you didn't just sit there and let them insult you. No one has ever done that."
"Well, I'm not sure it earned me any brownie points," she said.
"Maybe not with them, but it certainly did with him." Blaise nodded towards Draco who was headed towards them.
"What are you two chatting about?" Draco asked as he approached them.
"Your tiny dick," Blaise told him without missing a beat, turning to signal Seamus for another round.
"Get yours out Zabini, and we'll see the true definition of tiny."
Hermione grinned at Draco, "Do you two always act like twelve year olds?"
"He started it," Draco said with an answering grin and Hermione laughed.
"I guess that's a yes then?"
Draco took the glass that Blaise handed him and nodded, "What nonsense has he been telling you?"
"I've told her nothing but the truth." Blaise said indignantly.
"And you've never ever let the truth get in the way of a good story," Draco drawled and leaned his hip against Hermione's knee. She shifted slightly and reached out, hooking her finger through the belt loop on his jeans and pulling him towards her. He stepped between her legs and tipped her chin up to look at him, "Please don't believe a word he says."
"But he was telling me how amazing you are," she said with an exaggerated pout, "Is it not true?"
He leaned down and kissed her pouted lips and murmured, "You know how amazing I am."
"He may have said something about arrogant as well," she sniggered staring up at him.
Draco kissed her again, "Did I mention that he's a pathological liar?"
Blaise was watching them with rapt interest. The tiny interactions he had witnessed between the two since he'd arrived meant his best mate would be getting the third degree from him before he made the return trip to London. Draco was so in love with this girl and Blaise had been right, he'd not seen him like this, not even with Astoria.
"Stop staring," Hermione said and Draco laughed.
Blaise blinked and swallowed, realising she meant him. "Sorry, but you both just look rather adorable." He said mockingly, "It's hard not to stare."
"No one else is staring at us, you perve." Draco told him.
"Yeah, you keep believing that ," Blaise stood from his seat, noticing that Harry and Theo were motioning for him to join them, apparently he was up at the pool table. "I'll leave you two love birds alone before I vomit from all the sweetness."
"Arsehole." Draco called as he walked away.
Blaise flipped his middle finger over his shoulder and they both laughed.
"I like him," Hermione said.
Draco cupped her jaw and brushed his thumb across her cheek, "He wasn't too much of an arse, was he?" He looked mildly concerned.
"No," Hermione assured him, "He was actually very complimentary. He's a good friend."
Draco brushed her hair behind her ear, "He is. But please don't tell him, his ego is big enough."
"You like this girl?" Blaise said and Draco noted the caution in his voice. Blaise was never cautious.
"I do," Draco replied feeling defensive, "Do you have a problem with that?"
"No, not at all." He paused, "It's just that it's been a while mate."
"And?"
"And, I just wonder if, um...you're moving a little too fast."
What the hell was this? What the hell did he say to her at the bar? What did she say to him? Draco balled his hand into a fist and tapped it against his thigh, "No," he said trying unsuccessfully to keep his voice calm, "You've spent half the night talking to her and you can't see it? You can't see how amazing she is?"
A sly grin crept across Blaise's face and he gripped Draco's shoulder, "Just checking."
Draco glared at him and unclenched his fist, relief washing over him. "Fuck you, arsehole."
"Gotcha though. " Blaise laughed, "Come on mate, she's fucking perfect. Do you think I'm so stupid I wouldn't see that and get into you about it?"
Draco's gaze drifted over to where Hermione stood with Pansy and Katie, "She is."
Blaise whistled quietly, recognising the look on his friends face, "And she's totally got you by that tiny dick of yours." He said attempting to goad Draco into another verbal stoush, but Draco's gaze didn't shift.
"And I'm happy for her to have it."
Blaise watched his friend, assessing the current look of complete adoration on his face, "Draco?"
But Draco still didn't look at him. He was completely oblivious to his friend, happily distracted watching her across the pub, watching as she clapped her hand over her mouth at something Katie had said. And then laughing loudly at Pansy's answering remark. He sucked in a deep breath and released it slowly. He had never known anyone like her. She was self-confident, but at the same time unsure. She spoke her mind, but held thoughts in. She was a mass of contradictions, a puzzle he ached to spend his life working out.
And it was an ache he was becoming all too familiar with. The want to be with her constantly, the need to be with her constantly, consumed him. The last week had been a dream, just the two of them together every minute. And while the time spent with alone with her had been nothing less than phenomenal, his son would be back with them in two days, and they would all be together every minute, giving her the family she wanted. The family he had finally gotten her to accept and to be okay with.
"Draco?" Blaise said again, "Have you told her yet?
"Told her what?" Draco finally turned to look at him.
"How much you love her?"
He didn't have to answer. The massive smile that broke out on his face said it all. "A few weeks ago."
Blaise looked stunned, "Weeks? Are you fucking kidding me?" Draco shook his head, "And you're only telling me this now?"
"I'm sorry," Draco said in a mocking tone, "I wasn't aware that I had to get permission from you. Besides, she said it first."
"She said it first?" Blaise looked at Hermione, "Fuck, mate. I think you need to put a ring on her finger and never let her get away." Draco smiled, but said nothing, causing Blaise's eyebrows to wing up to his hair line, "You haven't?"
"No, you tosser," Draco said, "I have to talk with Scorp first."
Blaise choked on his drink, "Jesus, fuck! You're serious?"
"No. But your face right now is priceless," Draco laughed, "She asked us to move in a few days ago and I do have to talk to him about that, but nothing more right now. She was married once and I'm not sure if she's ready for that again. At least not this soon." Blaise looked at her and then back to Draco, "Yeah, I know, who'd leave her, right? Well, the stupid fucker did. And if I ever get the chance, I'll shake his hand and then break his face."
Blaise gave him a look of surprise. He'd never heard him talk like that. Draco wasn't violent, but clearly her ex-husband was an arse.
"There's more to it," Draco explained, "But that's not an in-the-pub conversation. And you know my story, so I'm not in any rush here."
"And Scorp?"
"Are you serious?" Draco looked at Blaise like he was an idiot, "He completely loves her."
"There's something I don't get though," Blaise's eyebrows knitted together.
"What's that?"
"How is it that a total arsehole like you gets the perfect girl, again?" Blaise asked with a grin.
"Jealous?"
"You know I am." He said.
"Well, maybe if you didn't let tiny Blaise out as often as you do, you might find her as well."
With only ten minutes before the arrival of the New Year, Hermione had her finger looped tightly in the belt loop at the back of Draco's jeans, much to his amusement.
"Do you think some other girl is going to try to kiss me?" he asked.
She looked pointedly at Blaise, who had been snogging Katie's friend Alicia for the last hour after what had been one the most amusing series of flirtations that the pub had ever seen. At least a half a dozen girls had approached, flirted and walked away disappointed, before Blaise set his sights on Alicia. And Hermione had to applaud his choice, and not just because Alicia was Katie's friend and Hermione liked her but because she knew Alicia was no push over and Blaise may have met his match.
"I'm fairly certain if I let you out of my sight, one of the losing contenders may have you in their sights."
"You know her, right?" Draco asked following her line of sight, "Because by the looks of that, she'll be having breakfast with us in the morning."
Hermione nodded, "Yeah, she's actually quite brilliant. She's a structural engineer, in from London. She and Katie have been best friends since kindergarten."
"London, you say?" Draco asked and Hermione nodded, "Interesting."
"Interesting?"
"Yes, interesting." Draco said, "My friend there was complaining that I got the perfect girl again, so I explained that if he would just pick one girl and get to know her that might change."
"Okay, but I don't get the interesting part though."
"She didn't approach him, she was one of the few who didn't, but when Katie mentioned she was from London he suddenly became very interested in the girl who wasn't interested in him." Draco explained and a knowing smile crept across Hermione's face.
"Oh," she said, "That is interesting."
"She's smart?" Draco asked.
"Very," Hermione said.
"Excellent," Draco's eyes lit up, "Simple charm won't work, he'll have to be on his toes with her."
"You're far too excited about this." Hermione noted, "Maybe she's just using him."
"Oh, that would be even better," Draco hooted, "The master meeting his match."
Hermione tilted her head to the side, watching Blaise smile at Alicia, a smile that Hermione thought had more to it than just a one nighter in her spare room. Blaise looked slightly smitten.
"The master, huh?" Hermione teased, "Maybe I did pick the wrong friend."
"And that's why you're holding onto me?" Draco smirked at her.
She laughed, "Just protecting what's mine."
"Marking your territory? Keeping all others away?"
"Yes," She said her mouth curving into a smile, "You've most definitely been marked as mine. All others will see that and stay away." He leaned down and kissed her, "Hey! It's not midnight yet."
His eyes flicked to his watch, "Four minutes. I could kiss you for four minutes."
"Another one of those teenage snogging sessions?"
Draco chuckled and shook his head, kissing her again quickly, "A four minute snogging session may lead to something else."
"And what might that be?"
Draco gripped her hips and pulled her against him. He lowered his mouth to her ear and whispered quietly, "It might lead to me unwrapping you right here in the pub."
She laughed, and wrapped her arms around his neck, "Hmm, I never pictured you as an exhibitionist."
"I'm not," he said, "But I'd unwrap you anywhere."
They were pulled from their bubble by Seamus ringing the bell at the bar and calling one minute.
"Kiss me now." Hermione told him.
The corners of his eyes crinkled and his lips curved into a sly grin, "I thought you wanted to wait."
"No, kiss me now," she said almost breathlessly, "End this year perfectly."
"As you wish."
Slowly, he leaned forward and cupped his hands under her jaw. He felt the tiny shiver his touch caused and he leaned closer, pressing his lips firmly to hers. He felt her body relax against him as she sighed into the kiss and he hugged her tighter to him.
The pub, the crowd of people, the noisy countdown all but disappeared, as he kissed her at the end of what he considered to be one of the best years of his life.
The aroma of fresh coffee pulled her from her sleep. She smiled as she stretched and opened her eyes. She had assumed Draco was responsible for the heavy aroma filling her flat, but she turned to find that he was still beside her, passed out and snoring quietly.
She sat up and took him in; he was a beautiful mess. He was in his usual sleeping position: one arm circling his head, the other hand on her hip. His hair was all over the place and his face was wrinkled from the pillow. His breathing was deep and steady; clearly he would be out for a while longer.
She had surprised him in the wee hours of the brand new year, when they finally arrived home and he 'unwrapped' her, discovering the sheer white bra and matching French cut knickers she had on underneath the layers of warm clothes.
His frantic rush to get her undressed had come to a halt, and he had slowed to an almost reverent pace. He'd kissed her - hot and wet and unhurried - kissed her mouth, her jaw, her neck, all over her skin. He made her tingle all over and he brought her close to pleasure - only to stop and begin all over again - too many times to count.
And when he finally entered her, after she had threatened parts of his anatomy, his fantasy of her in white came to life: her bra had stayed in place and her knickers were simply pulled aside. He took his time, sliding torturously through her over and over, until she threw head back and cried out his name. He had held on, plunging into her again and again, bringing her over once more and then twice before he arched over her and came hard inside her. His own guttural groan was harsh and loud and had vibrated against her neck. It was a sound she hadn't heard from him before, but was one she hoped to hear over and over again.
Hermione smiled, leaning down to kiss his shoulder. She pushed back the warm covers and slipped out of the bed. She crossed quietly to the bathroom, shaking her head at the reflection in the mirror. Her hair was sticking up every which way and her makeup was everywhere.
She grabbed a washcloth and cleaned off her face, calming her hair down as she ran her fingers through it, making herself look presentable to whoever it was that was in her kitchen. She swallowed two aspirin in an attempt to stop the pounding in her head and pulled on some yoga pants and Draco's fleece hoodie, knowing he would be looking for it when he finally woke, but not caring (and knowing he wouldn't either. He had mentioned several times that he liked it on her, of course he preferred her naked underneath, but that wouldn't be happening this morning).
She padded silently across the plush carpet, and made her way into the kitchen and wasn't at all surprised to see Alicia sitting at the counter, her head resting on her hands. She was wearing an oversized sweater that was clearly Blaise's and her legs were bare, and Hermione wondered if she should offer her some sweatpants.
"Good morning," Hermione said quietly, "Happy New Year."
"And to you," Alicia smiled nervously, her cheeks tinging pink, "Sorry, I hope this is okay?"
"It's perfectly fine," Hermione said pulling a mug from the shelf and filling it, "I think we'll all be in need of copious amounts of coffee this morning."
"Oh, no I meant-" Alicia began but stopped at the amused look on Hermione's face.
"And that's fine too." She took a sip from her mug, sighing as the hot liquid hit her stomach, "How's your head?"
Alicia winced, "Foggy. I haven't drunk like that since...shit, I can't remember."
Hermione laughed and told her she'd be right back. She disappeared back down the hallway and returned several moments later with aspirin in one hand and sweat pants in the other. She handed both to Alicia who looked at her like she was about to fall at Hermione's feet in worship.
Hermione sat opposite her, watching with no small amount of amusement as Alicia first downed the aspirin and then shimmied into the sweat pants. "Thank you," she sighed and sat back down, "Pants are good."
"I always think so," Hermione agreed, "Although, I can think of at least two guys that would disagree."
Alicia's cheeks went pink again, "Um, I don't normally do this."
Hermione reached across and touched her arm, "I was just teasing. And like I said, I don't mind."
Alicia nodded and lowered her eyes, staring at the steaming mug in front of her.
"Everything okay?" Hermione asked.
"Uh, yeah," she murmured, "I just wasn't expecting this."
Hermione watched as she mulled over the thoughts in her head, and wondered if she was the one who should be having this conversation with her. It was Blaise, after all, that she came home with.
"And he lives right near me." Alicia added glancing up at Hermione.
"And is that a good thing?"
"Maybe. I don't know." She shrugged and gave Hermione a look of confusion.
"Well, the old cliché says, there's only one way to find out."
"I guess," Alicia sighed, "One night isn't much to go by."
"And was it a good night?" Hermione asked holding back a smirk.
Alicia was unable to stop her smile, "Um, yeah. It was."
"I think that smile tells you everything you need to know."
"What smile would that be?" Draco's voice was raspy and he sat down heavily next to Hermione.
"That smile," Hermione pointed to Alicia, and then kissed his cheek. "Coffee?"
"God, yes," He groaned, "Seamus is a dead man when I see him next."
Alicia laughed as Hermione slid a mug in front of him, "Poor baby," she cooed and rubbed a hand across his back, "Did the bad man make you drink lots of whiskey?"
"You're lucky you're gorgeous," He told her, "Sarcasm doesn't become you."
"Way too gorgeous," Blaise's voice sounded much like Draco's, raspy and cracked, but he was smiling at Alicia. "Hey," he said sitting beside her.
"Hi." Alicia replied, her cheeks flushing red.
Hermione bit the inside of her cheek, holding back the snigger she felt bubbling up inside her at the awkwardness between the two. "Hey," she looked at Draco, "I am in desperate need of a shower. Did you want to join me?"
Draco frowned and looked down at his coffee, "But I've hardly-"
"Shower." Hermione said with a glare.
He glanced up at both Blaise and Alicia, the sudden realisation of what Hermione was alluding to hit him, "Oh...Oh, right. Yes. Shower. Lets go."
Hermione pressed her fingers to her eyes and shook her head, pushing back from the counter and standing she told them, "Sorry, he's not the brightest first thing in the morning. We'll give you some space."
"You don't-" Alicia began but Hermione held her hand up.
"It's fine. Drink coffee. Talk."
"Thanks." Alicia said with a nod.
"Keep the noise down," she heard Blaise call as she closed the bedroom door behind her. Draco had already started the shower and she found him half naked by the time she crossed the room and joined him.
"I'm an idiot, I know." He said stripping the last of his clothes off and stepping under the water.
Hermione followed suit and joined him, "Ah, yes, but you're a gorgeous idiot."
He laughed, "How long do we need to leave them out there?"
She shrugged, "Hard to say. I think she likes him. And going by the look on his face, the feelings are mutual. A lengthy conversation may be in order."
Draco pulled her to him, "See, he was right. This town is full of gorgeous women."
"And is it okay that the gorgeous women all fall for the hot strangers that randomly turn up in town?
"Well, that's the only reason we came."
She pushed up on her toes and kissed him, "Hmm, I sure I can think of other reasons you came?"
"Always in the gutter." Draco laughed and pushed her back against the tiled wall, "But, yeah. Coming here was the best thing I've ever done." He reached down and cupped the backs of her thighs, lifting her and hitching her legs around his waist. Her head fell back against the tiles when he rocked into her.
He didn't care that his friend was just down the hallway pursuing his own possibility at this, the possibility of finding someone who could finally get him to slow down, to commit. And the smile on his friends' face let him know that the girl sitting out there was going to be the one to do that.
So Draco decided he would take his time, and start his New Year in the most perfect way: buried deep inside the woman he loved, listening to her murmur his name over and over.